I really appreciated the hard work that Emilee consistently provided while dealing with personal legal proceedings. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area needing legal service.
Divorce goes beyond the paperwork into a legal and emotional reset. The end of a marriage impacts your home, your finances, your children, and your sense of stability. Whether your separation is cooperative or contentious, temporary or permanent, you deserve experienced guidance that reflects your goals and protects your future.
At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., our Chapel Hill divorce lawyers help clients navigate separation, divorce, and everything that comes with it. We serve clients throughout Orange County and the Triangle area with steady support, honest advice, and a plan built around what matters most to you.
North Carolina requires that spouses live separately and apart for at least one full year before filing for absolute divorce. But that does not mean you have to wait to begin sorting out important issues.
You can work on legal matters like:
Many of these are addressed through a separation agreement, which we can help you draft and negotiate well before your divorce is finalized.
Our Chapel Hill divorce lawyers guide you through this critical phase so you’re not left in limbo, whether legally or emotionally.
No two marriages and no two divorces are the same. We meet you where you are and help you build a plan for what’s next. Whether you are filing first or responding, we help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
North Carolina does not require a formal court filing to be “separated,” but it does help to have your rights protected in writing. A separation agreement outlines key decisions about children, property, and finances.
We help you:
North Carolina follows an equitable distribution model, which means the court aims to divide marital property fairly—not always equally.
We help you:
Property division isn’t just paperwork—it’s about preserving stability, independence, and the things you’ve worked hard to build.
If you share children, the outcome of your divorce will shape where they live, how often you see them, and how decisions are made for their future. These are not issues to leave to chance.
We assist with:
We approach child-related matters with empathy, strategy, and a strong focus on what’s best for your child, as well as what is sustainable for your family.
Our Chapel Hill divorce lawyers represent clients in both contested and uncontested divorces. If you and your spouse can agree on all key issues, we help you finalize your divorce efficiently and cost-effectively. If not, we are prepared to advocate for you in court.
We assist with:
Whether you are still talking or not speaking at all, we are here to help you get unstuck and ultimately get through it.
Spousal support can be one of the most emotional parts of divorce. Whether you’re seeking temporary or long-term support—or being asked to provide it—we help you build a case grounded in evidence and fairness.
Our Chapel Hill divorce attorneys can:
Support should reflect the reality of your marriage—not just a number. We help you present the full picture.
Divorces involving substantial assets, business interests, or complex compensation packages require more than basic legal knowledge. They demand experience, strategy, and attention to detail.
We work closely with forensic accountants, valuation experts, and tax professionals to help you:
Whether you’re protecting a business or ensuring your fair share, we help you approach it with clarity and confidence.
Divorce is a significant life transition, and while it may feel uncertain now, we are here to guide you through it.
When you work with us:
Whether we’re negotiating a resolution or preparing for trial, we build a plan you can rely on.
We explain what the law says, and what that means for you.
We listen to what matters most to you, and use that to shape every legal move we make together.
We help you make decisions without letting emotions take over.
Ellis Family Law was founded on a simple but powerful idea: that families and individuals deserve legal counsel that is both effective and deeply respectful. We serve good people going through tough times—and we’re honored to help them take the next right step.
I really appreciated the hard work that Emilee consistently provided while dealing with personal legal proceedings. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area needing legal service.
...I really appreciated the hard work that Emilee consistently provided while dealing with personal legal proceedings. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area needing legal service.
Trust worthy, reliable, and sophisticated team with an outstanding work ethic.
...Trust worthy, reliable, and sophisticated team with an outstanding work ethic.
Every interaction I’ve had with Sarah M. has been positive. She’s always helpful, professional, and kind. It’s clear she truly cares about the people she works with. I wouldn’t hesitate...
Every interaction I’ve had with Sarah M. has been positive. She’s always helpful, professional, and kind. It’s clear she truly cares about the people she works with. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her.
What an incredible experience! I recently found myself in the highly stress situation of needing legal counsel with a very delicate matter. After an extensive search, I was referred to...
What an incredible experience!
I recently found myself in the highly stress situation of needing legal counsel with a very delicate matter. After an extensive search, I was referred to the Ellis Law firm by someone whom always seems to have great contacts. This absolutely proved to be yet another incredible resource that they were able to share!
From the very first call until the resolution of the matter, every single person that I interacted with was professional, respectful, patience, and provided guidance on all matters related to the issue. In particular, my interactions across several phone calls with Christina Richard were very productive! She was able to provide answers, but more importantly, compassion throughout the entire stressful ordeal, and she did a great job providing additional external resources to get the outcome I hoped for.
This entire situation has been tough, and putting it behind me and fantastic. I can’t imagine the outcome being any better working with another firm, and encourage others to seek out the Ellis Law Group. Not only will you get the expertise in the field, but in the process, you’ll discover that this is a place to settle matters legally, and with compassion!
Great job by all!!!
What an exceptional Law firm. Ellis Family Law has handled my case and exceeded my expectations they truly went above and beyond. I thank the entire team. X
...What an exceptional Law firm. Ellis Family Law has handled my case and exceeded my expectations they truly went above and beyond. I thank the entire team. X
I love Ellis Family Law, won’t go anywhere else. From the first time you even walk in everyone is so nice and attentive. When I came in, I didn’t even...
I love Ellis Family Law, won’t go anywhere else. From the first time you even walk in everyone is so nice and attentive. When I came in, I didn’t even know where to start. I think there’s 2 Sarahs so her last name was Mercer, but Sarah M. was amazing! She was so kind, I felt so cared for and she answered all my questions and even talked me through legal terms I didn’t quite understand. What a good experience to turn around such an anxious day for me.
Because your next chapter deserves a strong start.
Durham Office
Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C.
3511 Shannon Road Suite 150 Durham, NC, 27707
Fax: 877-678-1584
Mon – Fri: 8:30am – 5:30pm
